I'm with the music junkie. Much of this contract year stuff goes back to character. There are guys like scott rolen and guys like javy lopez. nuff said.

As for Beltre, he had that apendectemy (sp?) operation in the Dominican Republic, a country known for its clean medical facilities and advanced research in extensive surgical recovery time. This happened during a crucial time in his development as a ball player, setting him back at least two and maybe three years. He is twenty-five, now, and not the overhyped teenager the dodgers presented in 1998. He is in the best shape of his life. I think it just happened to be in a contract year, in this particular case. He should be a solid player for the next decade.

98% of Americans have a favorable opinion of puppies and rainbows.
How do you spell "biased?"